Jiu Jitsu Knoxville, Keeping the jiu jitsu legacy a live.

New Belt: Gracie Barra Bloomington Don Fox

Continuing to Spread Jiu Jitsu for Everyone

Gracie Barra would like to congratulate New Black Belt and School Owner So what can be better than having your own Jiu-Jitsu school under a well-established name with driven people working for you and a team that believes in improvement? Well, I’d say receiving a black belt from the man himself. Things are looking up for Professor Don Fox.

Professor Don Fox recently received his black belt from Master Carlos Gracie during the Gracie Barra Leaders, Lunch that was held on the 3rd of this month.

In a short interview, Professor Don Fox shares his thoughts and beliefs about Jiu-Jitsu.

a way of life, he explains. Being a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor as a full time career, he believes that by being an ambassador of a discipline can develop anyone into a better individual. His habits in BJJ include 9 classes a week, and consistent learning.

As humans I believe we are to better ourselves daily. Not only should we better ourselves but we are to help others in bettering their lives as well. In doing so we would have a positive impact on society around us. Jiu-Jitsu has been a key tool in being able to accomplish this. Knowing that you were able to help change a persons life in a positive manner and direction by sharing a common interest is by far more rewarding than winning tournaments and collecting hardware. This is what defines a true BJJ martial artist, he concludes.

The 5-time NAGA champion, and 3-time IBJJF Chicago open title holder, he found BJJ as an interesting art back in the day when Royce Gracie dominated the UFC. The interest quickly turned into passion as he met with friends Professor Eduardo de Lima of Gracie Barra Florida.

As Jiu-Jitsu progresses into modern world as one of the top competing sports, Prof. Don explains, I feel it is important to be aware of the new things that are coming out especially if you are competing in tournaments. Over the years I have had the privilege of training with many big name Jiu-Jitsu practitioners and quite a few World Champions. Yes they would show you some really neat ace cards or a unique fighting style but one of the common denominators that everyone of them had was that they truly believed that you should stick to the basics because basics always wins.